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| HALF AND HALF AD 1927 |
PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT!
Whoever really knows me, realizes that I smell.
WAIT! I smell good!
What I mean is that I have an unusually well-developed sense of smell.
Tonight, riding Flex (my scooter) to an AA meeting, I experienced olfactory sensations which took me to a place far away and long ago.
A fellow walking the 'hood was smoking a pipe, the tobacco was Half-and-Half, a brand my father smoked. And I will
never forget that most pleasant of odors.
Long before I saw my 'mark', I smelled his pipe's burning of that same brand of tobacco which we children so many years ago bought for my Pop each Christmas, and Birthday, and Father's Day. It was the one thing we knew he would happily, satisfyingly use, during those nightly minutes after a long day working the farm.
Well, tonight I could not help myself (common for me—grin!). I made a U-turn, rode right up to the 'older' man and said “Thank you!” He wanted to know why...and I told him, “...for smoking that beautiful aromatic blend of tobacco, while 'strolling down the avenue', like thumbing your nose at this chaotic world in which we are living.”
He smiled.
I smiled.
I'm still smiling!
It was a GREAT meeting, Peeps.
PEACE
I was right there with you, Steve. I could almost smell it, too. Pipe tobacco and Old Spice. Brings back the memories.
ReplyDeleteI love moments like that... and like you, I am not shy about thanking people for all sorts of reasons. I am grateful that in AA, through sobriety God has removed my fear of people and returned the "gift of gab" he loaned me as a child.
ReplyDeleteHeck yeah! Thank you to him alright. You are a charming flirt!!! Never mind that he was a man, you are still a flirt!!! Hahahahaha! I don't know why I am laughing so loud because I have done the same so many times. Thank you!. Sure. Hahahaha!
ReplyDeletethat is awesome steve-o...my grandpap used to smoke a pipe ...just the thought of the scent...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you made that u-turn and shared your pleasure with him. Spontaneous gift giving. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love olfactory memories, they stir the soul for me and can create amazing feelings...thank you for the lovely reminder and your smile!!!
ReplyDeletexo
I thought of you this morning, dear Steve. And that is what brings me over to your blog place.
ReplyDeleteTo see how you have been...
Read this post, and a few others before it.
Feels good to be visiting, dropping in, and staying a while.
This post was heartwarming. Precious memories are always heartwarming.
And that smile... helps us connect, even across the miles... did you see the connection? A S-M-I-L-E bridges the M-I-L-E-S!
Wow... I'm smiling over here!
Blessings,
Lidj
KRISTIN:
ReplyDeleteWe ARE 'smelly' (Smelling?) Peeps, yes? Gotta USE those senses.
SCOTT F:
Yup! Same here--isolated for many years, and then gradually began to 'see' the sunlight (of the Spirit!)
in Peeps.
BRIAN:
The 'pipe' has been receiving a bad name, though undeserved--through association--these past 50 years!
MAGPIE:
Turning Points (U-Turns) often are good things. Hmmmm! PEACE!
GABI:
Using the senses given us by that GREAT FRIEND...I believe in the SMILE as a 'sense'.
CES:
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S what I like about you! Always the "HAHAHA!" the flirting, the being YOU! Besides your multitude of talents, and willingness to share. Really you are 'someone special', Ms Adorio.
CROWN OF BEAUTY:
...and your comment KEPT me smiling through this day! Such wonderful spirituality I find in these blogs. I DO believe God has something to do with all of us being here.
A lovely comment from Lidj.
ReplyDeleteAnd smells . . . it is always transporting for smells are memories, not all of them but some. Some remind you of home, some of love, some of betrayals.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Steve.
Joy always,
Susan
I know that smell-sense! It's so great to have that keen nose for memories, and also it connects you more readily to the world around you (good and bad).
ReplyDeletethat's a great memory and a great experience with smiles :)
What a sweet memory, and great story telling! Love your writing and your stories, especially about your youth. Your pop sounds like a sweet man...like you! You bless me, Steve!
ReplyDeleteSUSAN DEBORAH:
ReplyDeleteSmells: I never experienced a scent to remind me of betrayal--sights, yes, and sounds...
Anyway, it is like "home" to again read your posts, and lovely comments here and elsewhere, Dear Susan. PEACE! Long life!
JESSIE:
Since I actually "hear" your voice (like I can 'hear' a song playing in my head!), I'm enjoying the enthusiasm with which you comment.
The way you deal with life on life's terms is--well..inspiring!
MINING FOR DIAMONDS:
Have a HAPPY 40th tomorrow!! My life reached a 'turning point' at age 40--I got sober and stayed that way.
AND...have a GREAT July, so full of GOoD activity!
PEACE!
Sweet .I completely understand .Well, your post moistened my eyes.Cigarette smoke reminds me of my dad who is not with us anymore.
ReplyDeleteI love when a particular scent takes me straight back to my childhood. My grandfather was a photographer and whenever I smell developing fluid, I am there watching him in the darkroom once again.
ReplyDelete